Myers McRae Assists Bethune-Cookman University with President Search
July 21, 2025 – Macon, GA-based Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting has helped to recruit Albert Mosley as the eighth president of Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU). Jennifer Barfield, executive vice president, led the assignment. After an intensive, carefully vetted process that garnered 135 applications from across the country, Bethune-Cookman University’s presidential search committee identified a select group of top candidates. Ultimately, three finalists were approved for consideration by B-CU’s Board of Trustees and invited for on-campus interviews. Throughout the process, transparency was the guiding principle, stakeholders were engaged for critical feedback, and inclusivity was central to the search.
“Dr. Mosley’s journey – from first-generation college student to nationally respected university president – is a powerful reflection of the transformational impact we strive to deliver at Bethune-Cookman,” said Pete Gamble, board chairman. “His proven ability to launch forward-thinking academic programs, secure major philanthropic investments, and lead with both vision and integrity made him the clear choice to guide our university in its next chapter.”
An experienced executive in higher education and nonprofit settings, Dr. Mosley brings 30 years of transformative leadership to his new role. He is a first-generation college student who has earned degrees from Millsaps College, Duke University, Yale University, and the University of Georgia. He joins B-CU from the presidency of Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa, where he launched innovative academic programs in aviation, cybersecurity, animal science, AI applications, supply chain management, an MBA, and more. Additionally, during his tenure at Morningside, he secured a record number of seven-figure transformational gifts that have bolstered the institution’s endowment and led to several new capital projects. Throughout his career, Dr. Mosley has garnered a reputation for his entrepreneurial spirit, administrative acumen, and demonstrated ability to lead through seasons of significant change.
“It’s an extraordinary honor to be selected as the 8th President of the GREAT Bethune-Cookman University,” Dr. Mosley said. “I look forward to partnering with our entire Wildcat community to build on the powerful legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and shape an inspiring future for B-CU.”
“The university would like to recognize and thank both the search committee and the host committee,” B-CU said in a release. “The search committee’s commitment to identifying strong, visionary leaders and their tireless work throughout this process has been invaluable. The host committee also deserves our appreciation for coordinating the campus visits with care and professionalism, ensuring that each finalist had meaningful opportunities to engage with our campus and extended community.”
Bethune–Cookman University is a private, co‑educational historically Black university in Daytona Beach, FL, founded in 1904 by educator and civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Spanning an 86‑acre residential campus, the university offers 39 bachelor’s and six master’s programs across diverse schools—including Nursing, Business, Education, and the Arts—while supporting robust student life with over 80 organizations and NCAA Division I athletics as the Wildcats in the SWAC.
Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting serves colleges, universities, independent schools, and other not-for-profit institutions. Nearly all of its search professionals have a minimum of 20 years of experience in higher education. The majority of the firm’s searches have been for presidents, chancellors, provosts, vice presidents, deans, and other senior academic and administrative leaders.
Related: Myers McRae Recruits President for State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
Ms. Barfield works directly with colleges and universities on the recruitment and evaluation of candidates to fulfill their search needs. She brings more than 20 years of experience in education in fundraising, public relations, program development, strategic planning, and alumni and donor relations to our clients. Her career experience ranges from stints at a private college-preparatory school, First Presbyterian School; a private university, Mercer University; and a state university, Middle Georgia State University.
Florida A&M Search
Myers McRae recently assisted in the recruitment of Marva Johnson as the 13th president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). Her selection followed a thorough presidential search, which narrowed the field to four highly qualified finalists. Kenny Daugherty and Brianna Douglas led the assignment. “Congratulations to Marva Johnson on her confirmation as the 13th president of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University,” said Raymond Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of Florida. “President Johnson brings a strong vision for student success and a commitment to elevating FAMU’s national profile. I am confident she will lead the university to greater heights.”
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Chair of the Florida Board of Governors, Brian Lamb, noted Ms. Johnson’s corporate connections, coupled with her vision for student success, will enhance the FAMU career pipeline to new levels.
“Marva Johnson’s confirmation as the next president of FAMU marks a new chapter in the university’s legacy,” he said. “Her visionary leadership, deep commitment to improving outcomes for students, and passion for innovation will be the catalyst for FAMU to build on the rich tradition and have a greater impact on the local community, the state, and the nation.”
Related: Myers McRae Assists Pfeiffer University with Provost Search
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
